Jacksonville begins seasonal lifeguard hiring for 2026 pool operations, setting pay, training, and requirements

Seasonal recruitment opens for pool lifeguards and supervisory aquatics roles

The City of Jacksonville has opened hiring for seasonal aquatics staff ahead of the summer 2026 pool season, including pool lifeguards and several supervisory positions. The recruitment is being run through the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and is listed as a continuous posting that opened on January 15, 2026.

The hiring drive comes as the city prepares to staff municipal pools and related aquatics programming during the peak warm-weather months, when demand for public swimming typically rises and facilities require certified supervision for daily operations.

Pay rates and minimum eligibility

For seasonal pool lifeguards, the city lists an hourly rate of $15.00 for new lifeguards and $15.50 for returning lifeguards. The minimum age requirement is 15 years old.

The city’s job posting also outlines additional seasonal aquatics roles, including pool manager and assistant pool manager positions for applicants 18 and older. A district coordinator role is also referenced in the posting as part of the same hiring track, reflecting a staffing structure that includes both on-deck lifeguarding and site-level operations oversight.

Training dates and physical prerequisite tests

The seasonal lifeguard posting includes non-paid training dates scheduled for March 7–8, 2026. Applicants are expected to arrive prepared to swim and to complete prerequisite skills tests used to assess readiness for rescue and supervision duties.

• A 300-yard nonstop swim using freestyle or breaststroke
• Treading water for two minutes without using hands
• Retrieving a 10-pound brick from a depth of 10 feet

Beyond the physical prerequisites, the posting states that a background screening and drug screening are required. It also indicates that American Red Cross certification is required and that applicants may receive training if they do not currently hold the listed certifications.

Seasonal pool lifeguards are tasked with preventing accidents through enforcement of rules and monitoring for hazards, while also providing first aid and supporting overall facility operations.

Work expectations and scheduling

The city describes the lifeguard role as public-facing safety work that can include weekends and holidays. The posting further states that lifeguards must be willing to work outdoors for an entire eight-hour shift, highlighting heat and weather exposure as part of normal working conditions.

Applicants are expected to submit a fully completed online application and provide work-history details. The city’s recruitment materials also list seasonal pool lifeguards among broader hiring needs within the parks department, alongside other full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles.